Evonik and HP’s new co-branded elastomer is a flexible high-performance specialty powder based on a thermoplastic amide grade (TPA) for 3D printing. The new ready-to-use material has been developed thanks to a long-standing industry partnership between the two companies and it is optimized for the HP’s industry leading Multi Jet Fusion technology. The joint material development will be presented at this year’s formnext connect between 10 and 12 November.

Evonik and HP’s new TPA powder is a flexible, lightweight-construction material distinguished by its very low density of 1.01 g/cm³ and a Shore A hardness of 91. The high-performance powder is suited for production of functional high-tech 3D plastic parts - prototypes as well as series products - that call for high extensibility and energy return, such as sports equipment or automobile components.

Goproto's parts printed with HP 3D high reusability TPA enabled by Evonik.

The powder material meets the processability criteria required for optimized, production-grade parts developed for HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology. The powder enables fast, high-quality parts to be produced using HP’s Jet Fusion 4200 series of 3D printers, resulting in an efficient and reliable experience similar to that of HP’s branded PA12 polyamide.

“Open collaboration with materials leaders like Evonik continues to be so important as we push the boundaries of additive manufacturing and accelerate the industry,” said Tim Weber, global head of materials, HP 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing.

“The development of new ready-to-use specialty materials tailored to customer requirements belongs to Evonik’s DNA: The company is a leading producer of innovative high-performance powders, filaments, and liquid resins for all important 3D-printing technologies,” said Sylvia Monsheimer, Head of the New 3D Printing Technologies market segment at Evonik.

Furthermore, Evonik’s new TPA powder makes it possible for its clients to 3D print real, usable prototype through production of elastomer parts fast, no tooling - straight to parts. Customers, including US-based rapid manufacturing partner GoProto, are already developing new innovative applications.

“We have had customers make ducts and bellows and footwear, athletic equipment, wearables and harnesses/connector parts. The combination of production quality material properties like high wear resistance, energy return, longevity and light weight continues to impress at every application,” explained Jesse Lea, President & CEO at GoProto, Inc.